Halifax police asking for armoured vehicle in upcoming budget

Halifax Regional Police (HRP) is once again seeking approval for the purchase of an armoured vehicle in the upcoming city budget. The request, which mirrors a similar proposal that was cancelled in 2020, is aimed at providing the force with a tool for the highest-risk situations.

The decision to reintroduce the request for an armoured vehicle comes after George Floyd’s death and protests against police brutality in 2020 led to the cancellation of the initial proposal. Instead, the funds were redirected towards initiatives focused on diversity and inclusion, public safety, and anti-Black racism programs.

According to Marla MacInnis, a spokesperson for the Halifax police force, the armoured vehicle would only be utilized in the most serious events and would not be a common sight on the streets. Currently, HRP relies on the Nova Scotia RCMP’s armoured vehicle when needed for operations involving firearm offences, high-risk warrant executions, or barricaded individuals.

Darla Perry, president of the Halifax police union, emphasized the necessity of such a vehicle, highlighting the protection it offers to officers and civilians in dangerous situations. Perry noted that HRP has been advocating for an armoured vehicle for over a decade and has even filed a complaint with the provincial Labour Department to investigate why the force does not possess one.

While the terminology used by HRP refers to the vehicle as an “armoured rescue vehicle,” criminology professor Temitope Oriola from the University of Alberta argues that it is essentially an armoured tank. Oriola cautions against excessive militarization of police forces, emphasizing the need for restraint when deploying such tools to maintain public trust.

The decision to include the armoured vehicle in the upcoming budget has sparked a debate among councillors and community members. Coun. Tony Mancini expressed his support for the request, citing the need for Halifax to have its own armoured vehicle to avoid relying on the RCMP’s resources in critical situations.

As the city prepares to finalize the budget in April, the discussion around the armoured vehicle will continue to unfold. While the purchase of smaller armoured trucks for the emergency response team has already been approved, the decision to acquire a larger armoured vehicle will be subject to further scrutiny and deliberation by regional council.

Ultimately, the decision to procure an armoured vehicle will require a balance between ensuring the safety of officers and civilians in high-risk situations while also addressing concerns around the potential militarization of policing in Halifax. As the city moves forward with its budget planning, the debate over the necessity and implications of acquiring an armoured vehicle will remain a key point of contention.